Eligibility for Victoria First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

Generally you will be eligible for the Victoria First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) if:

Neither you nor your spouse have previously:

• received a first home owner grant in Australia.

• owned a home or other residential property in Australia, either jointly or separately, before 1 July 2000

• Occupied for a continuous period of at least 6 months, a home which either of you owned or part-owned on or after 1 July 2000 in Australia.

You may still be eligible for the FHOG if you or your spouse/partner purchased a property on or after 1 July 2000 and have not lived there as your home.

Additionally, to receive the FHOG at least one applicant must:

• Must occupy the home as their principal place of reside (PPR) for at least 12 months, commencing within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.

• Be aged 18 or over (discretionary).

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident:

  • In the case of the purchase of a new home - as at the date on which the applicant/s become entitled to possession of the home under the contract, which generally occurs on the date of settlement.

  • In the case of entering into a comprehensive building contract - as at the date on which the building is ready for occupation as a place of residence, which generally occurs when construction of the home is finished.

New Zealanders holding a special category visa under s32 of the Migration Act 1958 and anyone holding a permanent visa under s30(1) are considered permanent residents for these purposes.

New Zealand citizens must be living in Australia when the eligible transaction is completed.